Bulletin November 27, 2023 (Nov 19, 2023)

The West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club

Having fun while making a difference!

Chartered 1990

Rotarians help food packing at Two Rivers

Rotarians Colleen Watson, Dave Hanson, and Co-Prez David Miller, helped Two Rivers High School students with a Harvest Pack event last Monday. We helped pack 21,120 meals. What an effort and what a wonderful group of students. The students were very friendly and engaging. Our future is in good hands. Enjoy the pictures.

Thanksgiving Eve was at the Copperfield

Rotarians met at the Copperfield last week and had a wonderful time. Guests were Joe Hommes and Sue Hanson!

From Rotarian Alan Ruvelson on Paul Harris

According to the RI website, there are (in round numbers) 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide. I wondered at how many individuals have been members since Rotary was founded in 1905. (I couldn't find an estimate.) Paul Harris, the Chicago lawyer credited with being the founder, wasn't the first Rotarian. In fact, he was one of four individuals who joined together to start Club #1. So, why is he revered? He put forth the idea and, together with the others, got it going. He was the catalyst (and he stuck with it). That singular achievement is why the RI Foundation ("RIF") recognition is named for him.

Traditionally, Paul Harris (PH) Fellowship is conferred on people who have done great, wonderful and good things. Clubs award individuals who have contributed significantly to community well-being. RIF recognizes members that contribute money, which is one way that good things get done. PH Fellowships can only go to individuals, organizations and activities receive Certificates of Appreciation).

The Rotary Club of West St. Paul-Mendota Heights, from time to time, recognizes the goodness if certain individuals, organizations and activities by appointing some of its "Recognition Points" to honoring someone (or something) with a Paul Harris Fellowship. Your Board is asking you to tell us who or what you think is a catalyst for things that promote the values of Rotary. We want to consider these suggestions at the scheduled Board meeting on January 16.

November 2023 Board Meeting Highlights

Here's some highlights from our November 21st board zoom meeting. Special note: All board members were present.

1 - From our wine and beer raffle we netted cash profit of $5880.92 and $3250 into our club's foundation. Nice job everyone!

2 - We approved the following donation requests:

$500 to Two Rivers High School for Harvest Pack event on November 20th.

$2500 to ALMAS - the Latino group we sponsor at Two River's High School.

$1000 to YMCA (our club member and past president Katie Lowe is director of the Eagan Y)

$500 to Town Square TV (local cable producer where we get some club advertising)

3 - Bob Gullick noted that the past three Rotary years we have given away over $62,000. Sweet!

4 - Community Service - Next Loaves and Fishes is Thursday, December 7th.

5 - Membership and Recruitment - Jennifer Giovinazzo would like to reach out to members and demonstrate how to use Facebook to our club's advantage for advertising.

6 - Our club has Paul Harris points to award. We'd like to use these to honor community members as well as help our member achieve a Paul Harris recognition award.

7 - Our next board meeting will be on December 19th. Reach out to Co-Prez Don McCall if you'd like to attend the zoom morning meeting.

Something new to meetings

The board would like to have a local businesses present a 3 minute introduction to their company at each meeting.

Please let Dave Hanson know if you get someone and he'll add to the schedule.

One 3 minute presentation at each meeting would be the goal.

Thanks in advance.

Fundraising Ideas

The board is looking for creative fundraising ideas and a team to coordinate activities. Maybe we'll see a pickleball tournament next summer? Please contact any board member if you have some ideas. Thank you! Board members: Don McCall, David Miller, Susan Hommes, Valarie Namen, Alan Ruvelson, Mark Landy or Bob Gullick.

New Members Wanted

Do you enjoy our weekly meetings? Share them with others. Be on the lookout for prospective members!

Club meetings

Posted on May 29, 2023

We meet at 7:30 Wednesday mornings at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church located at 2035 Charlton Road, Sunfish Lake, MN 55118. Join us for a continental breakfast with good coffee followed by an engaging program.